Guam

In collaboration with Underwater World Guam (UWW), the University of Guam (UOG), Aquarium of the Pacific, Henry Doorly Zoo (USA), Horniman Museum and Gardens (UK) and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (USA), we carry out a multiyear coral restoration and outreach program.

The project focuses on restoring and protecting coral species of local concern. Two field training workshops how to use sexual coral reproduction for restoration efforts were held in 2013 and 2014, co-organized by Underwater World Guam (UWW) and the University of Guam (UOG). Participants were local stakeholders, international and local aquarium specialists and scientists, as well as students.

Mike McCue, Curator of Underwater World Guam (UWW), is coordinating the project locally and started a public awareness and educational program in cooperation with UOG. Since 2013, UWW has installed a public laboratory at its facilities where visitors can learn about coral reproduction and conservation and get a tour behind the scene.

After the mass spawning in 2015, over 1000 larvae of two Acropora species were settled on tiles and are now reared in a floating nursery. The nursery was installed during the 2013 and 2014 workshops and is located at Piti Marine Preserve. We plan to develop additional outplanting sites, as well as an underwater visitor's site, where tourists can learn about coral ecology, reef restoration and protection.

With the support of the Aquarium of the Pacific's team, spawning work continued in 2016; including work with Acropora abrotanoides that has never been cultured in this way before.

Located not far from the coral triangle, an area with the highest biodiversity among coral reefs, Guam features coral reefs of a great species diversity. Although some reef sites are still relatively healthy, many are under considerable anthropogenic threat (State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of Guam). The fish fauna is objected to over-exploitation and crown of thorn (Acantaster sp.) outbreaks, as well as coral bleaching and diseases have weakened coral reefs. Heavy sediments loads caused by land run off―often due to illegal wild fire, mainly caused by hunters, who seek easier hinting space) and pollution are permanent stressors.

Yet, Guam's coral reefs are of great importance for the national economy. The island is a popular vacation destination with many tourists enjoying scuba diving and snorkeling trips. Accordingly, trampling on corals and breakages of corals is a common problem too. Increased efforts have been made to account for the alarming status of Guam's coral reefs by establishing marine preserves―still many coral reefs need protection and public awareness is poor.

Guam is the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands, a tropical archipelago located in the western Pacific, approx. 2000 km (~1200 miles) east of the Philippines’ coast. It belongs to the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc, a huge underwater mountain chain of volcanic origin with the Mariana Trench stretched along its western side. The island is governed by the USA and military bases cover around one third of its area. The climate is humid and hot, with around 28°C (82°F) throughout the year. During the wet season, Guam endures tropical storms and may be occasionally hit by typhoons.

Discovered by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521, Guam has a long history of colonization, and the islands flora and fauna was repeatedly subjected to invasive species. Probably most notorious is the nocturnal Brown Tree Snake, accidentally introduced several decades ago, that killed almost every bird on the island. The native bird population was not accustomed to any kind of predator, thus an easy prey for the adaptable and tree-climbing snake.